Yesterday I went to Lakewood to pick up the grandchildren for an overnight stay. Today, they followed me to my Chiropractor appointment, dropping off my ballots, and helping me with my campaign. A different day for them for sure on their spring break.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:11-12 ESV

The “Sermon on the Mount” begins with the beatitudes. Of these nine pronouncements of blessing to those in various spiritual conditions and actions, two deal with persecution in some form for those who stand for righteousness and identity with Jesus.

As much as we like to talk about the blessings of following Christ, it is important to understand the reality that in a world that is “headed for destruction” righteousness is not a popular topic. A recent issue of Time Magazine contains the title, “Is Truth Dead?” The description of the Book of Judges that says, “every man did what was right in his own eyes” seems to characterize our day. We need to remember…..

The possibility and potential of being reviled for the cause of Christ is a reality. Paul warned Timothy, “…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV) Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18 NIV)

Persecution for the cause of Christ calls for the proper response. One the practical side, we live in a country that does provide for religious freedoms and personal rights. On a personal side, the attitude we possess is important. Persecution is to happen because of righteousness, not sin. It is to happen due to our identification with Christ, not deficiencies in our attitude and conduct. Jesus said when we are reviled for His sake we are to, “rejoice and be glad….”

Peter said, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”  (1 Peter 2:21-23 NIV)

Persecution places us in good company. The prophets of old were rejected and ridiculed. Jesus faced opposition.  The Lord was faithful to them and he will be faithful to those who endure hardships, misunderstanding and attacks. The reward for our faithfulness is not received in this life, but the next.

Persecution for Christ’s sake results in blessing. Those who are persecuted and reviled are in the same “camp” as the poor in spirit, those who morn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. Following Christ sets us apart, not because we are special or unique, but because Christ is special.

Prayer for today…. Lord, help us to remember that Your blessings often come when we place You first and are willing to take a stand for righteousness. Help us not to be discouraged, disheartened or surprised. Grant us the strength and wisdom that is needed for all that we face in following You. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… ‘Why should you destroy yourself? Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?” Ecclesiastes 7:16-17 ESV

We live in a world that is fighting an epidemic of suicide. It is prevalent in our communities from our military veterans to our youth. Colorado has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. When we lived in Lakewood and Jefferson County there seemed to be an inordinate number of teen suicides and recently I have found that same to be true in Larimer County.

Colorado recently passed a “right to die” amendment that allows the terminally ill to end their life. Yet everyday there are those who have given up on life and feel that the inevitable direction of their life and the only recourse is death.

That was the case with a young man, years ago, in India by the name of E.V. Abraham. He went to a motel room and was prepared to stick a gun in his mouth and end his life. There was a Bible on a nearby table. It was like he heard a voice that told him, “take up and read.” He did know where to turn, but as he opened the Bible it was on the page he read where the verse above was found. “Why should you destroy yourself?….Why should you die before your time?”

In God’s sovereign plan, intervened for a confused young man who is now a pastor in one of the most challenging parts of India. God spared his life and he has given his life to saving others from physical and spiritual death.

David declared, “But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands…” (Psalm 31:14,15 NIV) Solomon declared,  “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,2 ESV)

It is all too easy for many in times of despair and in the confusion of the moment to feel that the end of their troubles is found in the end of their life. But God has a better plan. He desires us to know His presence and love that provides hope and purpose. Unfortunately many do not have that understanding.

Debbie recently had a co-worker take her own life. She was one who had been very supportive of us during my health crisis. But in her suicide note one of the issues she addressed was not finding any peace spiritually in her life.

We do have an obligation to be aware of those around us, to reach out, to connect. When there are those who are withdrawing it is important to pay attention. For those who are in despair it is almost impossible for them to reach out and seek the help that is available. Paul wrote of his time in Asia, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” (2 Corinthians 1:8 NIV)

The circumstances are different, but the feelings can be the same for those who contemplate whether life is worth living. These are complicated issues that defy simple solutions. We need to know that our God is a God of life, abundant life and is able to reach people even in the darkness of despair.

Prayer for today…. Lord, remind us that in our darkest times, You are there. When we feel to be without hope, we can find hope. Help us to remember how illusive what You offer is to others and enable us to be a source of comfort and hope to others.

I made it back to DIA from Atlanta by 7:30 a.m. this morning. That meant an early start to my day. I’m glad that I made the trip and it was good to be home and to jump back into the home stretch and final seven days of campaigning.

After Carter’s lacrosse games we made a long drive to Dalton, Georgia and saw Mason’s baseball games. He pitched most of the first game and was the catcher for the second. So he was involved in every pitch of both games.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,   “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand….Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:1-2;5-6 ESV) 

John was known as the forerunner, the prophet who prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus did not just “show up.” There were those who spoke words of prophecy about a coming Messiah and then John in close proximity to Jesus’ appearance took on a unique and special role.

John was tasked with his responsibility, but it was incumbent upon the people to respond. And they did respond. They did so by coming to be baptized, but they understood that this act was signaling a change in their life. It was combined with confessing their sins.

The coming of God’s kingdom is a time to be ready, to respond. We read in Genesis that even though Noah was a preacher of righteousness the people “…were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.” (Luke 17:27 NIV)

The people of Noah’s day heard the warning, they knew the message, but they didn’t respond. As John came to declare the nearness of God’s kingdom, people did respond. The other gospels reveal that they looked for specifics about their actions that needed to be addressed. Whether the religious leaders or the tax collectors or the soldier.

Just as judgment came on the earth in Noah’s day, just as Jesus came and appeared on the banks of the Jordan, so we see that there is a coming “Day of the Lord.” Peter declared, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:10 ESV)

Hearing the message, knowing what is coming, demands a response. It can be to continue to eating, drinking, buying, selling, etc. or it can be a response of giving attention to our lives and being prepared for the coming Day of the Lord.

Peter asks the important question, “what kind of people ought you to be?” (2 Peter 3:11 NIV) Living by heaven’s priorities now, is not only a good way to be prepared for the Day of the Lord, but it sets our hearts and lives in a direction that keeps us on the right path.

Jesus warned, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34 NIV)

When we pray, “let your kingdom come, let your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…” there is no better way to be those who answer that plea than by realizing when God’s kingdom is at hand, it is time to evaluate, to change, to act, to repent and to keep our focus on the Lord.

Prayer for today….. Lord remind us that we prepare for the “Day of the Lord’ before the Day of the Lord arrives. Allow us to be responsive to the cry from Your Word and take action that our hearts and lives will be in sync with Your plan and purpose for our lives.

This morning I attended Restoration Church for the service honoring Don Munn (son-in-law Nathan’s father) for his 34 years as the Senior Pastor. Don is changing roles and is “passing the baton” to another Senior Pastor who has been working with him for months on this transition.

Don shared a powerful and encouraging message and took the lead in recognizing Chuck Ramsey as the new Senior Pastor. It was a delight to be there to see this take place. In the last few weeks I have made a list of six Senior Pastor friends who have left or are in the process of leaving their churches. These transitions can always be challenging and some go better than others. This was certainly as well planned celebration and transition that has set a high bar. It was an honor to be in attendance.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV

As the transition of authority was shifting from Moses to Joshua, there is one command, one challenge, that is associated with this transition. It is the call to be “strong and courageous.” This command is first given by Moses as he is preparing Joshua for the time of his transition to a position of leadership.

After Moses is dead the Lord Himself appears to Joshua and tells him, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you.” (Joshua 1:6-7 ESV)

Then after commanding Joshua to be careful to follow all the laws and ways of the Lord, the Lord repeats the command, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)

This last verse is the one most memorized by children in Sunday School, but it is the third time the command has been given to Joshua.

Leadership is challenging and is filled with all types of uncertainties. Paul said of his ministry in Macedonia,  “…there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.” (2 Corinthians 7:5 NLT)

The oath of office for President contains the words, “defend and protect…..against all enemies foreign and domestic.”

The reality is that the only opposition a leader faces is not “outside” sources. It is often the “enemy” within that can be the greatest challenge. As a result, courage and strength are needed at every turn and in every situation.

There are two specific reminds that Joshua is given to bolster his courage and strength. One is to remember the Lord your God is with you. When we feel alone, we are not alone. When we feel weak, we can trust in the strength of the Lord. Our courage is from the presence of the Lord, our strength is that which the Lord alone can provide.

The other reminder Joshua is given is,  “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.” (Joshua 1:8 ESV)

Knowing God’s Word, meditating on God’s Word helps us to apply God’s Word and reminds us of who the Lord is and what He has done for His people. This was to be a key to Joshua’s success and it is for us as well.

Strength and courage is needed for all believers. Paul writes to the Corinthians and in his closing comments he challenges them, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”  (1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord we all need strength and courage to face the challenges of life. Help us to understand those qualities don’t just come from us but come to us as we focus on You and Your Word.

Today will be a busy afternoon in Atlanta. Carter has a Lacross game and Mason as baseball game in close proximity as far as time, but not location. So, this morning is a good time to get ready for a busy afternoon.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”  James 5:15,16 ESV

As James provides direction for some conditions in life we find prayer and praise at the heart of what he says. Are you suffering? Pray. In times of confusion, anxiety and the perplexities of life, we need to find the solace that can be found in prayer. It is one thing to have people “pray for us” it is another to find that sense of comfort and assurance when we take our needs to the Lord.

The old hymn asks, “Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Jesus knows our every weakness take it to the Lord in prayer…..you will find a solace there….”

James asks, “Are you cheerful”? Then sing songs of praise. We can be quick to seek the Lord when in trouble and neglect the Lord when life is good. If we are cheerful, we should give continual thanks to the Lord, recognizing Him as our source and the faithful Lord that He is.

James focus on prayer begins with those who are sick. The suffering that comes from sickness calls us to reach out and to seek the power of prayer found in obedience to God’s Word. We are to call for the Elders of the Church. God has chosen to work through those in whom He has placed spiritual authority and care over God’s people. This community connection is of value in God’s economy.

We see the “together” focus on praying for each other and for confessing our sins to each other. This shows that we are strongest not when we are alone and independent, but when we are together and share in mutual support of each other. We are not to isolate or insulate ourselves in life, especially at the most critical times, but we are to reach out and embrace and be embraced by a community of faith.

James says it is  in praying for others, that we find healing. It is understanding that God uses ordinary people (like Elijah) to do the extraordinary, when we, in faith, obey and trust in the Lord.

Prayer for today…. Lord remind us that we simply need to obey and be willing to ask. To ask of You in prayer and to ask others to pray when we find ourselves in need. Help us to remember that You call us to a life of mutual support and encouragement. Healing, forgiveness, comfort and power is found when we pray. 

I left for the airport at 3 a.m. this morning for a trip to Atlanta. This will be quick weekend trip to visit Stephanie and Nathan. The primary motivation was to be here for Don Munn’s (Nathan’s father) final Sunday as the Senior Pastor of the church he started 30 years ago.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:14.15 ESV

This verse and Proverbs 27:1 (NV) “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” have taken a special significance to me in the last almost four years. For the most part, during my adult life and our marriage, Debbie and I have been able to avoid crisis that we have seen other families walk through. We had been grateful for that and while realizing we weren’t immune or insulated, we certainly considered ourselves blessed.

It was easy to plan and anticipate the future and to look at “contingency” plans and such as nice, but not critical for what we could imagine taking place in our lives.

On the other had there can be those who live with so much uncertainty in life and a fear or paranoia about the future, that they hesitate to “step out” or to make plans of any significance. Extremes in life can be equally dangerous.

My friend Paul Irwin reminds me that “life is a gift, life is precious, life is fragile.” I found out how much that is true when I faced a sudden and unexpected health crisis that involved almost five months of hospitalization, four hospital visits in the following year, and a significant prolonged recovery from West Nile Virus and Myasthenia Gravis.  It is easy to take for granted our health and vitality and ability to do what we enjoy.

James addresses a sense of cockiness or arrogance that has a self-centered view. This is in line with his focus in his letter up to this point. There is a sense of God’s providence in our lives and over our lives that is to permeate and impact how we live.

We are to view each day as gift. We are to be stewards of the time we have, not knowing the number of days we will have on this earth. We need to be prepared for the unexpected without living in fear.

We can be those who have confidence that the Lord can not only keep us form, but He can also see us through the crisis and grief and challenges that are a part of life. “The Lord willing,” whether spoken or reflected in our attitude, shows that life has its uncertainties, but there is One who is above them all and is with us each step we take.

The music group Mercy Me, has a new song, “Even If” whose chorus captures the importance of maintaining our hope in times of uncertainty:

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that You are the God who is with us and, enables us to live life with confidence, hope and anticipation. Help us to dream big, pursue the dreams You give, while we remember that all we are and all the days we have are a gift from You.

Today was a busy day with campaign activities and meetings. My last of the day was with Bob Walker of Walker Manufacturing (thanks for Mary O’Dell for arranging this meetings). This is a family business that makes commercial lawnmowers of the highest quality. This company has not only been in our area of decades but is founded on strong Christian values.

VERSE FOR TODAY…..  ^“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?”  James 4:2-4 ESV

There is a struggle that is taking place at all times in the human heart. It is one between following human, carnal desires or living life by God’s power and standards. Paul refers to it as the battle between the “flesh” and the “Spirit” (the Holy Spirit).

James has just told his readers that the wisdom of the world is “earthly, unspiritual and demonic.” As he continues, he addresses the root of strife and discord. Since righteousness produces peace, discord is from acting like the world. It is the natural consequence of our desires being stymied.

As a result, James says the extreme actions that come from wrong desires and despising self, leads to despising others, and is expressed in murder. Coveting and failure to achieve leads to quarreling. There is a lack of humility that requires asking of God and others and so there is a lack of what is needed in life. When one does ask, there is a failure to receive because it is motivated by selfish ambition and self-centered living.

James is bold in accusing believers of creating “spiritual adultery” with the world. They belong to Christ but they want to act like, be accepted by and have what the “world” says is a priority for their life. The sounds more like modern times, than the first century. Perhaps it shows that the hearts of humanity have not changed over the course of time.

What is the proper response? “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:6-8 ESV)

Even in the depths of our own selves the grace of God is deeper. God’s grace is sufficient to cover our shortcomings failures and self-centered lives. But God’s grace does not enable us to stay where we are, it empowers to be where we need to be.

Pride is trusting in self. Humility is trusting in the Lord. When we “draw near to God, He draws near to us.” Like the prodigal we may be “walking” back to God humbled by our failures, but we will find the Lord running toward us.

The power to live above the degrading life begins with submission to God. Then we have the strength to resist the “devil” and have the assurance that being in a position of trust and humility the devil will flee.

James summarizes by saying the way up, is down. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10 ESV)

When we live and act by the world’s ways, it will lead to all types of heartache. But the Lord desires us to live above and beyond all this world has to offer, by yielding our life to Him and His ways.

Prayer for today… Lord help us to see that our human desires and how we seek to attain them only leads to a downward path of destruction and hopelessness. Help us to submit to You, to live in Your grace that is able to build us up and make us strong.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 ESV

As James writes about “wisdom” it is in reference to the actions one takes and the impact of those actions. Wisdom is related to the application of knowledge. What do you do with what you know?

On one hand James says the actions of some are motivated by “selfish ambition” and jealousy. These reflect a “wisdom” so called, that is of the world. It is “false” wisdom because it tears down and does not build up. It has a focus on self and not others.

This wisdom is not the “wisdom from above.” James says, “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” (James 3:15 ESV)

In contrast there is a wisdom “from above.” These are actions and attitudes that are characterized by different qualities. Notice each of the aspects,  “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

All of these describe actions that the opposite of a self-centered, jealous, strife-filled life and interactions with others.

James says the wisdom from above is “meek.” It is important to remember that “meek” is not “weak.” Moses was referred to as the “meekest man on earth” but he as anything but a weak leader. Meekness is reflect more in what a person does not do, that what they do, do. The meek person is not self-centered, focused on advancing a personal agenda.

Heavenly wisdom, bring peace. We see the opposite described in these words, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” (James 3:16 ESV)

Finally we see the wisdom from above produces a life of righteousness. “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18 ESV) I find the connection between righteousness and peace of interest. I am reminded of the Old Testament person Melchizedek. Melchizedek was known as the King of Salem. The writer of Hebrews shares this insight, “First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” (Hebrews 7:2 NIV)

Righteousness enables us to be those who work for and produce peace; and in turn James says when we “sow” peace, we reap righteousness.

Will our actions bring discord or peace? When actions are based in the wisdom from above, the fruit of it will be evident to all. And when it reflects that which is earthly, sensual and devilish, that will be evident as well. May our works demonstrate the “meekness of wisdom.”

Prayer for today…. Lord use us to bring harmony out of discord and not to be sowers of discord. Enable us to be those whose actions will reflect the wisdom from above that brings peace and produces righteousness.